finding my smile: part 1

 Where does a smile come from? After Roxie told me how infrequently I smile, I started thinking about why one smiles. And why I seldom do. I think there are some issues I need to address in my own life. Changes need to be made if I am to smile freely and at will again.


Psalm 97:11-12
"Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."


Joy robbers


Would you agree that a smile can be brought about by a fleeting moment of happiness, happenstance and circumstance colliding and birthing something desirable? But a smile that lasts all day, regardless of situation, good or bad, is a symptom of a joyful heart.


When I am joyless smileless husk walking about accomplishing tasks, I must think "Wha' Happened?" (gratuitous "A Mighty Wind" reference). What has robbed me of my joy? Bearing in mind that the door was not only opened for the robber, but he was asked to sit down and given lemonade and cookies before leaving with my joy. MY JOY. Given to me by My God.


I have sought out over the last couple of weeks to where my joy has gone. And to what. What habits have I formed that have taken my eyes off God and put them on myself or my situation? To what am I bowing down now and calling "lord" instead of my Father who reigns in heaven?

Psalm 28:7

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

Ask around


My daughters know me best. They see the things I do and compare them to the words I say. They are witness to the hypocrisy and they have no qualms about telling me where I am blowing it. So, bravely, I asked them where I have gone astray. They are not very diplomatic. I think we need to work on that.


I prayed that God would show me where there is sin in my life, where I have enthroned something else as my lord. He is showing me. A touch more gently than my offspring, thankyouverymuch.

Under the knife

Reading God's word is like having surgery. If you really check yourself in to the hospital, get in that paper dress they like you to wear and lie down on the operating table (and don't keep getting up and running away) the bad stuff will be cut out of you. It hurts though. Not so much physically, but admitting that you aren't the coolest person alive and that there are gross bits that are attached to you ruins your street cred. Pride cometh, man.

I have been reading God's word to me and looking to see if I am mentioned. I am. Alot.

James 1:22-24

"Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like."

Smiling again

It is around the corner. My smile. Walk with me and we'll find it together. Layer by layer, I am going to shed what I have been holding on to that has been smothering my joy and hiding my smile.  

The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief. 

~William Shakespeare, Othello